All Concerts

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

March 29, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy one of the best Baroque orchestral works ever written, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, followed by the seldom performed Serenade in E-flat Major by Strauss. Then Benjamin Beilman, hailed for his "handsome technique, burnished sound, and quiet confidence" (The New York Times), joins Pacific Symphony for the challenging Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto.

Paul Anka

April 9 – 11, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

A sensation since the age of 16, when he rocketed to stardom with “Diana,” Paul Anka today boasts a catalog of more than 500 songs, including “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Puppy Love,” “Time of Your Life” and “I Love You Baby.” The legendary singer/songwriter — who has penned songs for Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Donny Osmond, Michael Jackson and many others — performs his dynamic, high-energy show, backed by Pacific Symphony.

Beethoven Lives Upstairs

April 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

The award-winning "Beethoven Lives Upstairs"; inspires young audiences with more than 25 musical excerpts — including "Moonlight Sonata,"; "Für Elise"; and the great Fifth and Ninth symphonies. True events from Beethoven's life are woven into the gripping story of a boy who discovers that his strange new neighbor is none other than the legendary composer.

Romeo & Juliet: Happy Endings

April 19, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

Relive the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers through Prokofiev’s masterful, memorable music! Here, actors and dancers reinstate the original happy ending, which was banned by Joseph Stalin in favor of Shakespeare’s tragic finale.

Chaplin's "The Gold Rush"

April 26, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

Called “the outstanding gem of all Chaplin’s pictures” by The New York Times, 1925’s “The Gold Rush” is the highest-grossing silent comedy of all time. See Chaplin in his iconic role as The Little Tramp while organist Dennis James provides an unforgettable soundtrack.

Vertigo

April 30
– May 2, 2015,
8:00 p.m.

Drenched in Bernard Herrmann’s haunting and hypnotic score, Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 thriller is widely recognized as one of the greatest films of all time. In this symphonic night at the movies, a newly restored print fills the big screen while the musicians of Pacific Symphony recreate the soundtrack — live!

Yo-Yo Ma

May 5, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

One of the true superstars of classical music, Yo-Yo Ma is a stunning soloist who has garnered broad popular appeal. Whether performing familiar works from the cello repertoire or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western Classical tradition, he strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination.

Beethoven’s “Emperor”

May 7 – 9, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

An amazing and massive piece written in Beethoven’s unique style, the “Emperor” concerto is music from the age of revolution and romance — the story of a heroic struggle ending in victory. Enjoy the performance by Barry Douglas, who catapulted to stardom with his gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

PSSS How Suite It Is!

May 9, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

In its Season Finale, the brilliant Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings invites you to experience just “How Suite It Is!” in a rousing artistic celebration of the orchestral suite and its intriguing adaptations over time.

PSYWE Collaborations

May 10, 2015, 1:00 p.m.

Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble’s Season Finale features a colorful, innovative array of “Collaborations," which include Frank Ticheli's Blue Shades, Katoh's Madrid Inspirations for Alto Saxophone & Band with guest soloist Dr. Kenneth Tse (Professor of Saxophone at The University of Iowa) and the world premiere of a commission by Pacific Symphony composer-in-residence Narong Prangcharoen.

Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert

May 10, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

The later works of three great composers are highlighted: Beethoven’s Sonata, the most technically demanding work for cello before the 20th century; Brahms’ piano works, complex, dense and reflective; Schubert’s Nocturne, rhythmic and exuberant; and Brahms’ Trio, praised by a friend of the composer who said “It is as though the instruments were in love with each other!”

PSYO Finale 2014-15

May 10, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Season Finale highlights the four winners of this season’s concerto competition. The orchestra concludes the concert with a journey to visit Soviet Russia’s great storytellers through Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.

OC Can You Play With Us? Side-by-Side

May 13, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

Amateur musicians ages 22 and older from across (and even beyond!) Orange County will be performing with Pacific Symphony on the stage of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, under the baton of Music Director Carl St.Clair. This year’s repertoire consists of excerpts from Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." This is a unique educational opportunity to see the maestro and a wide variety of musicians at work!

Friends, fans, and interested observers are invited to attend this workshop-style event for FREE. Seating is general admission.

OC Can You Play With Us? Chamber Edition

May 14, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

Community musicians ages 22 and older from across Orange County will have the unique opportunity to play in an instrument choir led by Principal Flutist Ben Smolen, Clarinetist Joshua Ranz or Assistant Conductor Alejandro Gutiérrez.

Friends, fans, and interested observers are invited to attend this workshop-style event for FREE. Seating is general admission.

André Previn

May 28 – 30, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Discover the talents of one of the most versatile musicians of the 20th century. André Previn enjoys an international career in classical music — and has previously enjoyed success in the movies, musicals, popular music and jazz. No stranger to the Southland, Previn served as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1985-89.

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

June 4 – 6, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall infuse an eclectic blend of jazz, world and American pop standards with their unique sound. Performing together since 2006, each half of this husband-and-wife duo brings an impressive musical background to the table: Alpert’s accomplishments include five number one hits, 28 albums on the Billboard charts and eight Grammys; while Hall is a Grammy-winning vocalist who was the original lead singer for Sergio Mendes’ Brasil ’66.

Fire & Water

June 11 – 13, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

A multi-faceted, multimedia exploration of the elements. Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Gregory MacGillivray (“The Living Sea,” “Dolphins”) debuts a stunning video to accompany a newly commissioned piece by Laura Karpman celebrating the oceans. Then, behold the power of Brünnhilde’s immolation scene through the music of Richard Wagner. Metropolitan Opera superstar Deborah Voigt, one of the leading Brünnhildes of our time, returns to Orange County in this definitive role.

July 4 Spectacular

July 4, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy an energetic and exciting tribute to one of the most beloved bands ever. Enhanced by the musical force of a full orchestra, Journey’s popular hits come alive — including “Faithfully,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky” and much, much more. Plus, grand Fourth-of-July traditions: patriotic favorites, a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces and a brilliant fireworks finale!

Beethoven’s “Emperor” & Scheherazade

July 25, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Music beneath the stars: The quintessential Southern California summer experience! Grab your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy enduring melodies from the masters — including Beethoven’s impressive and majestic concerto from the age of revolution and romance, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s gorgeous melodies and vast palette of orchestral colors that spin tales of the Arabian Nights.

Hot Latin Nights featuring “Bolero”

August 9, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Sizzling rhythms beneath the starry sky! Featuring the high-octane energy of JT & Friends, it's an evening of music and dance with sultry salsa, Cuban rhythms and the sounds of Spain. Enjoy Bernstein's "Mambo" and Ravel's popular "Bolero," among other hot-tempered favorites!

Tchaikovsky Spectacular

September 5, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

The traditional end to Pacific Symphony’s Summer Festival, including the thrilling climax of thundering cannons and spectacular fireworks in Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture! Also enjoy some of the most enchanting pieces by favorite Russian composers — including Rachmaninoff’s hugely popular, achingly romantic Piano Concerto No. 2.

Beethoven's Ninth

October 1 – 3, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

“Ode to Joy” has thrilled listeners around the world for nearly two centuries. When it premiered in 1824, conducted by Beethoven himself, he heard not a note, so profoundly deaf was he. Nor did he hear the five standing ovations for the most epic choral work ever composed!

Beethoven’s Ninth Connections

October 4, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

Rediscover Beethoven’s crowning achievement — a monumental fusion of soloists, chorus and music — all set to the magnificent “Ode to Joy.” Also, Pacific Symphony’s composer-in-residence debuts his OC-inspired composition.

Fray Plays Schumann

October 22 – 24, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Brahms famously put off writing a symphony for years, so intimidated was he with comparisons to Beethoven. What he eventually wrote was well worth the wait — infinitely rich, astonishingly simple and exquisitely enchanting. Bright Sheng’s piece is set to a tender piano melody created by Brahms. And Schumann’s Piano Concerto never fails to delight.

Phantoms of the Orchestra

October 24, 2015, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

A Halloween spectacular uniting the orchestra and visual theater: The maestro and his terrified assistant use the power of the baton to control a ghoulish orchestra! The story of the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is brought vividly to life in this concert, which also features instantly recognizable selections from Bach’s Toccata and Fugue and Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain.” Don’t forget to wear your costume!

“New World” Symphony

November 12 – 14, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Composed during Dvorák’s visit to the United States, the “New World” Symphony was influenced by both Native American music and African-American plantation songs. Surrounding this audience favorite are Bruch’s popular Violin Concerto and Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Overture.

Conrad Tao & Beethoven's “Eroica”

December 3 – 5, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Hailed by critics as an “exciting prodigy” and “breathtaking,” 20-year-old Conrad Tao has become a Pacific Symphony audience favorite. His performance of Prokofiev’s masterpiece is sure to elicit the same exuberant reaction! Then, Beethoven’s popular symphony — filled with drama, death, resistance, strife and ultimate rebirth!

Nutcracker for Kids

December 5, 2015, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky's delightful Christmas ballet — performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids. This seasonal favorite finishes with a grand finale holiday sing-along and is sure to sell out!

Lin Plays Mozart

January 7 – 9, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Critics say “his technique is magnificent, his intonation immaculate, with a glittering top, breadth and radiance below.” Violinist Cho-Liang Lin serves as conductor and featured soloist for this delightful program, which includes both Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 and his grand and festive “Haffner” Symphony.

Organ Splendor

February 4 – 6, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Two of the world’s finest organists deliver music filled with sublime beauty, luminous textures and sacred spirit. From the glory of “Pilgrim’s Hymn” — performed at funerals for Presidents Ford and Reagan — to the poetry of “Lux Aeterna,” enjoy the splendor of the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ.

Pirates of Penzance, Opera for Kids!

February 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Renowned for songs like “I am a Pirate King!” and “I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General,” Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved comic operetta features dashing pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers and an eccentric major-general. This production for kids, including costumes and projected visuals, features both professional singers and talented students from Chapman University.

Puccini’s “Turandot”

February 18 – 23, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Puccini’s spectacular masterpiece about a bloodthirsty princess whose icy, vengeful heart softens as she comes to know true love. The lyrical and sweeping score is filled with treasures including its signature aria “Nessun Dorma,” which has been used in many Hollywood scores and as the theme for BBC’s World Cup television coverage.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth

March 10 – 12, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Featuring sumptuous tone and melodic mastery, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony culminates in a triumphant final movement. It is led by Manuel López-Gómez, one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Venezuela’s internationally renowned “El Sistema” music program. Before that, the irresistible rhythms of Spain!

Symphony in Space

March 12, 2016, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Blast off as the symphony travels through our solar system! Real footage from NASA will accompany music from Holst’s “The Planets,” as well as selections from “Star Wars.” Featuring the gifted young musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra in our annual side-by-side concert.

Rhapsody in Blue

April 7 – 9, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

The jazz connection: Gershwin married classical music to the most unique of American art forms, while Ives’ Second Symphony alludes to popular American folk tunes including “Camptown Races,” “Turkey in the Straw” and “America the Beautiful.” Between them, Ravel’s beautiful piano concerto, also heavily influenced by jazz.

Midori & The Planets

April 28 – 30, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Debussy’s serene piano piece, orchestrated by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. Then, Korngold’s achingly beautiful Violin Concerto (reimagined from his Oscar-winning film scores), performed by former child prodigy Midori, now a mesmerizing virtuoso. Finally, Holst’s dramatic interpretation of the cosmos. Music inspired by the galaxy itself — grand and exciting!

The Firebird, Ballet for Kids!

April 30, 2016, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Stravinsky’s famous and popular ballet comes to life in a fully costumed and narrated version just for kids. Enjoy Prince Ivan’s adventure in a magical realm, where he falls in love with a beautiful princess and is helped by an enchanted and mysterious Firebird to defeat the evil Kashchei.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

May 19 – 21, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Two all-time favorites provide a feast for the ears! One of the most beloved works of the Baroque repertoire, Vivaldi’s lyrical masterpiece paints tantalizing pictures of the changing seasons. Then, a fullday excursion up and down the Bavarian Alps, brought to life by Richard Strauss’ lush, splendid musical descriptions.

Andre Watts Plays Beethoven

June 2 – 4, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

More than 50 years after Leonard Bernstein introduced him to the world, André Watts remains one of the most celebrated and beloved piano superstars. In his hands, Beethoven’s revolutionary piano concerto is a fitting farewell to the season. Then, Berlioz’s musically enchanting work, inspired by his infatuation with a British ingénue.

Symphonie Fantastique

June 5, 2016, 3:00 p.m.

Uncover the semi-autobiographical story of an artist’s self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman. Berlioz’s symphony describes obsession and dreams, tantrums and tenderness, suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair.